Quick-adjustable clamp



Nev 11, 1 I 1,515,286

, H. M. SVEBILIUS QUICK ADJUSTABLE CLAMP Filed Jan. 21; 1924 2 Sheets-v-Sheet. 1

WWW,

Nov. 11,

H. M. svamuus QUICK ADJUSTABLE CLAMP Filed Jan. 21 1924 fiwezzziia 5 v: A I M4;

rtnted'Nov. 11, 192.4.

HENRY xvi. SVEBILIUS. or nvans'ron. ILLINOIS.

' QUICK-ADJUSTABLE CLAMP.

ar a /r wan r r t known that I, Henry; M. SVEBILIUS, cny pf tlle llnited States, residing at axstena mthe c un y OfUOOk and State qii l llinpis ave inventedcertain. new and useful Improvements in Quick-Adjustable (Qlainps;; and i1d0 tliI8by -le(3lale the followbe f ltholster, andtexaot description e; inwentiqn such", as will enable .others the: art. to which it appertains to a e andinsa e same-.-.-. i

Mfir inyentlion relates to hand clamps and imson e its generaliaspects aims to provide a handfllainp w-liich oan be quickly moved in either 'tsopen ing or closing directionso as to radapt-itinstantly forvuse with objects of wide y. warping;thicknesses; v aims to provide fiiec; 've means, for tightening the clamp jaws have been brought into en- 20 g men with -,,-in interposed group of ob ects; aims-tn provide a clamp construction fer th i s pnrpose in which a. large share of the; arts can be cheaplv mamifactured out at s tea-t m tc alg. aims to p1'ovide simple and efi'ee ne re n r ing f r stiffening tain memhersof theiclamp; and aims to provide simple means for automatically releasin'g the clampingmechanism when the grip on tle-g interposed group of obgects 1S i 1}; nlso a i ms to provide a spring-retracted clamp clutohingarrangement in which the tightening" rnevernent. of the clamp tightenserervs antomaticallytightens the clutch andiholds ithevclutch operatively engaged so long nsthe... clamping pressure is exerted. Euntherlnore. nip-inventionaims to provide g. PEQlfiQQLf-JOIM and, .from the accomp ti g draw nesiew h drawin s a ig l an elevation, of an; clamp embodymg; m invention, showing this as it appears 'lh li lfilf i i Application filed January 21, 1924. Serial No. 687,575.

when clamping two relatively thin blocks to each other. a I a Fig. 2 is an end elevation of the same clamp. i V

Fig. 3 is a central. and longitudinal seq.- tion through the same clamp, taken along theline 3&3 of Fig. 2, but showing the clamp widely opened and with its gripping mechanism released and with the swiveling trnnnion for one of the threaded stems show in section. 1

i is an enlarged section through one of the threaded clutches, showing this, as .it appears when the clamp is in gripping op eration after the manner of Fig. 1. x e

Fig. 5 a similarly enlarged section. showing the position of the gripping clutch whenit is released after the manner shown in Fig. so as to permit the threaded stem to slide freely through it.

Fig. 6 is an enlarged perspective view oi: one of the stem-gripping clutches.

Fig. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of one of the swiveled jaw tips of the clamp.

Fig. 8 .is an enlarged section taken through one of the jaw arms of the clamp along the line 8 8 of Fig. 3 and showing the method of fastening a reinforcing web to the jaw arms.

Fig. 9 is an elevation of one of the reinforcing webs before thesame is attached to the pair of jaw arm portions between which it interposed. a

In the embodiment of the drawings, the clamp of my invention comprises a pair of main members pivoted to each otherintermediate of their ends after the manner oi. shears" or pliers, so as to aiiord handle arms 1 andil extending in one general direction (or upwardly)v from the pivot and jaw arms a and 5 extending in theother or downward direction from thersaid pi Eaclrof these main members desirably v prises two relatively spaced parts .eXtend parallel to each other and arranged so "that the two parts which constitute oneio t' the main members are interposed,betweenwthe two parts which comprise the other main member. 7 w w Y Thus. the drawings show the inner of the main members as comprising a pair of levers formed of sheet steel and spaced from each other at their jointed connection by a bushing 6 which surrounds the interposed portion of the pivot pin 3- The two parts of this inner main member are also spaced from each other by a stiffening web 7 which corresponds in width to the distance between the two jaw arm portions of the said inner main member and which has its longitudinal edges provided with projections 8 after the manner shown in Fig. 9. Each of these projections extends through a corresponding perforation in an adjacent jaw arm portion and is staked over into the said perforation so as to anchor the stifiiening members rigidly to the two jaw arm portions between which it is interposed. The companion parts comprising the other main member bear against the outer faces of the two parts constituting the said inner main member adjacent to their pivotal connection and are similarly spaced from and rigidly secured to each other by a stiffening web '7 as shown near the lower right hand corner of Fig. 3.

Pivoted to the free end of each of the upper or handle arms otthe. clamp is a clutch which has certain parts thereof threaded as hereafter more fully described andwhich is adapted to have its threads engage a threaded stem or thrust member swiveled to the other main member, so that the pivotally connected arms oi. the clamp can be moved either toward or away from each other by rotating either of. these stems.

For this purpose I desirably connect the lower end of each of these threaded stems or thrust members 10 and 11 by a swivel joint to a trunnion 12 which trunnion has a pair of projecting arms 13 extending through the opposed counterpart portions of the jaw arm of one of the main members after the manner shown in Figs. 2 and 3.

Each of these threaded stems extends through the bore of a clutch which desirably is constructed after the manner shown in Figs. 6 and 4. This clutch is pivoted near the lower end of its bore to a pin 14 ex tending through the opposed portions of the adjacent handle arm of one ot the main members, and each clutch has upon its interior athreaded portion 18 which terminates above the said pivot pin 14- and is disposed on the opposite side of the bore from the said pin. Then I provide spring means associated with each of the clutches tor normally rocking the clutch about its pivotal mounting to a position in which its said threaded portion is out of engagement with the thread of the adjacent threaded stem or thrust member, after the manner shown in Fig. 5. For this purpose I am here showing a pair of tension springs 15 and 16 each hooked at one end over the spacer bushing 6 which surrounds the main pivot 3 of the clamp, and each hooked at its other end into a perforated lug 17 disposed on one of the clutches at the opposite side of the pivot 'iuounting ot' the clutch and somewhat above the said pivotal mounting. Then i provide a smooth and desirably round shouldered bore portion at the same side oi the clutch with the said threaded portion 18 but below the latter and desirably also "form ,a similar smooth and rounded portion 25) substantially opposite the lower part oi the said threaded portion 18.

\Vith the clutch thus arran ed, it will be obvious from Fig. that each spring normally holds the threaded portion 18 oil the clutch disengaged from the stem passing through this clutch, so that this stem can slide. freely between the said. round shouldered bore portions which effectively form a smooth bore oblique to the axis of the thread of the clutch. Consequently, when the clamp is inoperative, as shown in Fig.

its main arms can readily be moved so as to increase or decrease the distance between the tips of the jaws thereby permitting an instantaneous gripping of an interposed group of objects of any desiredthickncss without turning any threaded portion of the clamp. To make this gripping more effectire. I desirably provide each jaw tip with a clamping jaw 19 swiveled to the jaw tip o 5' one oi theiuain members. Such a swivcled jaw tip desirably formed of a single piece o't' sheet steel bent upon itself to afford a liar worh-engagiug portion 30 and to form a pair oi spaced arms 21 each of which is connected to the said portion 20 by a. reverse bend the said arms 21 being perforated to lit a pivot pin 22 which connects it to the jaw tip portions 0'! the adjacent main member.

Ailitcr the clamp has been closed upon the interposed work. as for example on the pair of wood blocks 33 shown in Figs. 1 audit. each of the clutches is inanuallv rocked about its pivotal mounting against the resistance of the spring connected to that clutch. so as to bring the upper threaded portion 18 ot' the clutch into engagement with the adjacent threaded stem or thrust member. Then this. ijacent stem is rotated in a direction tending to screw the same downward. iVhen thus rotated. the threaded engagement of the stem with the clutch tends to move the clutch upwards and hence tends to rock it still more in the same direction in which it was moved tor the purpose of engaging the clutchwith the threads of the stem namely a directi n which would be clockwise in 4 and Consequently. this action forces the stem against the other side of the bore of the clutch and causes the clutch to grip the stem in such a manner that the spring will not swing it out of its Hill (iii

saidstenti engaging; position after the clutch rocking" d i ditalpressure is relaxed.

l o inci'ease the effective cngagen'ient with the adjacent tl'u'e'aded stem, I desirably provide each clutch also with a lower threaded portion 23 disposed at the opposite side of the bore of the clutch from the said threaded portion 18 but lower than this threadedfportion, asshown in 4t and 5. To tacilitate the moving; ol' the tl'u'eaded stems and oi? the clutches, I desirably provide each of the same with suitably tt'ormed finger pieces. Thus, I am showing each. of the threaded stems as having; at its upper end a cross-bar 524: which can readily be grasped by the fingers ot' the operator, and am showing each oi the clutches as having an upper finger-piece and a lower '[inger-piece 2?. These lingerpieces on each clutch project beyond the adjacent handle arm of the clamp, and with moderate sizes of my clamp, these fingerpieces can readily be reached by the same hand of the operator which holds the clamp to the work, thereby expeitlitingthemanipulation of my clamp.

Owing to the position of the hip; 17 on each ot the clutches with respect to the pivotal mounting of this clutch, the spring associated with each. latched clutch still tends ctmtiimonsly toswing the clutch into its run latched position. Consequently. as soon as each of the threaded stems is turned backwards so as to release the'firm gripping of the work which was clamped between the jaws. the springs automatically snap the clutches out of engagement with the threaded st ems. thereby permitting the clamp to be opened wide for the removal ot the previously Citil'lflpfifl work and. gtor applying the clamp to the next job.

By forming: each of the main members out of counterpart sheet steel portions, which desirably have their edge parts benttowards each other so as to stiiti'en theim I can secure great strength. in a relatively light "and cheap construction. At the same time. the reinforcing webs 7 prevent rela tive. movement or the two parts comprising each jaw arm, thereby affording the required rigidity.

' By thus providing; for a tree Sliding of the threaded stems'or thrust members with respect to the clutches when the clamp is bei opened or closed. I have found that I can save approximately touwfifths of the time which is consumed with the ordinary clamps, such as the'so called C clamps commonly used by pattern makers. Furthermore, with my adjustable clamp. the tighteninp; screws'or threaded stems are out of iiie'way'or the work, so that they do not interfere "withtlie drilling of holes transverse of the clamping jaw tips after the manner of the tightening screws in such clamps.

However. while I have illustrated and described the adjustable clamp" o'tniy -inv 11 tion in an embodiment including a highly desirable shaping oil various parts, I do not wish to be limited to thedetailsof the construction and arrangement as thus disclosed. it being); obvious that the same might be varied. in many ways without de iiarting either from the pirit my invention oi from tle appended claims.

I claim as my invention 1. An adjustable clamp, comprising a pair of main men'ibers pivotally c muectedintermediate of their ends to afford jaw arms and handle arms at respectively opposite sides of the pivotal connect-ion, aphiof threaded thrust members each swiveled at one endto the aw arm of one member and extending past the handle arm of the other member. and. two threaded clutches movably mounted respectively on the two handle arms and each movable into and out oi threaded engagement with the adjacent thrust member. i

2. An adjustable clamp comprising a pair of main members pivotally connected intern'iediate of" their ends to aii'ord jaw'arms and handle arms at respectively opposite sides oi the pivotal connection, a pair of threaded thrust members each swiveled at one end to the jaw arm of one member and extending past the handle arm of the other member. two threaded clutches movably mounted respectively on the two handle arms and each movable into and out of threaded engrng rement with the adjacent thrust member, and spring means normally holding each thrust member out oil. its said threaded enment. o. .t clamp as per claim l, in which each clutch is pivoted to one handle ari n on an axis transverse of that of the adjacent thrust n'iember and has an internally threaded substantially semi-cylindrical portion adapted to engage the thread of the thrust member.

t. it clamp as per claim 1 in which each clutch is pivoted-to one handle arm on an axis transverse of that of the adjacent thrust member and has a pair of oppositely facing and internally threaded and sub stantially semi-cylindrical portions disposed at oppt sides t its pivotal connection to the adjacent handle arm.

A. clamp s per claim 1.. in which each clutch is pivoted to one handle arin on an axis transverse of that of the adjacent tln'ust member and has a pair of -op positely facing and internally threaded and substantially semicylindrical portions dis- 'iosetl at opposite sides of its pivotal connection to the adjacent handle arm; and in which the thrust member engageable by'each clutch extends continuously through the latter.

6. A clamp as per claim 1, in which each clutch is pivoted to one handle arm on an axis transverse of that of the adjacent thrust member and has a pair of oppositely facing and internally threaded and'substantially semi-cy1indrical portions disposed at opposite sides of its pivotal connection to the adjacent handle arm, and in which the thrust member engageable by each clutch extends continuously through the latter, the bore of the clutch having smooth shoulders directed towards each other to permit the adjacent thrust member to slide freely through the nut when the nut is in its inoperative position.

- 7 A clamp as per claim 1, in which each nut has a fingerpiece for enabling it to be digitally moved into its said threaded e11- gagement.

8. An ad ustable clamp comprising a pair of main members pivotally connected to eachother intermediate of their ends to alford'j aw arms extending in the same gen eral direction from the pivotal connection and handle arms extending in the opposite general directioma clutch pivoted tothe handle arm of one member and having a partially threaded bore, and a threaded member extending through the clutch and swiveled upon an arm of the other main member and having its thread engageable by the thread of the clutch when the clutch is in one position but clearing the said thread when the clutch is moved about its pivot to another position.

'9. A clamp as per claim 8, in which the pivotal connection between the nut and the handle arm is disposed between the said thread of the clutch and the swiveled connection of the said threaded member to the said arm of the other main member, so that a turning of the threaded member when the thread of the clutch is engaged therewith will tend to move the nut about its pivotal mounting into tighter thread engaging relation to the threaded member.

10. A clamp as per claim 8, in which the pivotal connection between the clutch and the handle arm is disposed between the said thread of the clutch and the swiveled connection of the said threaded member to the said arm. of the other main member, so that a turning of the threaded member in the clamp-tightening direction will move the clutch about its pivotal mounting into tighter engagement with one side of the threaded member. thereby swinging the threaded member in one direction about its swi eled connection to the said arm of the other member, and means for limiting the swinging movement of the threaded member in the said direction.

11. A-clamp as per claim 8, in which the pivotal connection between the clutch and the handle arm is disposed between the said thread of the clutch and the swiveled connection of the said threaded member to the said arm of the other main member, so that a turning of the threaded member in the clamp-tightening direction will move the clutch about its pivotal mounting into tighter engagement with one side of the threaded member. thereby swinging the threaded member in one direction about its swiveled connection to the said arm of the other member, and means for limiting the swinging movement of the threaded member in the said direction, the said means comprising a second threaded portion dis-- posed upon the bore of the clutch and nearer to the pivot than the first named threaded portion but on the opposite side of the threaded member.

12. A clamp as per claim 8, in which the pivotal connection between the clutch and the handle arm is disposed between the said thread of the clutch and the swiveled connection of the said threaded member to the said arm of the other main member, so that a turning of the threaded member in the clamp-tightening direction will move the clutch about its pivotal mounting into tightor engagement with one side of the threaded member, thereby swinging the threaded member in one direction about its swiveled connection to the said arm of the other member, and means for limiting the swinging movement of the threaded member in the said direction, the said means comprising a second threaded portion upon the bore of the clutch and nearer to the pivot than the first named threaded portion but on the opposite side of the threaded member, the clutch having a smooth edged transverse gore extending oblique to the axis of its threa led portions and between these portions.

13. An adustable clamp comprising a pair of main members pivotally connected intermediate of their ends to afford jaw arms and handle arms at respectively opposite sides of the pivotal connection, a pair of threaded thrust members each swiveled at one end to the jaw arm of one member and extending past the handle arm of the other member. and two threaded clutches movably mounted respectively on the two handle arms and each movable into and out of threaded engagement with the adjacent. thrust member, and a pair of tension springs respectively associated with the two clutches and each continuously tending to move one of the clutches out of threaded engage ment with the adjacent thrust member.

14. An adjustable clamp comprising a pair of main members pivotally connected. intermediate of their ends to afiord jaw arms and handle arms at respectively op posite sides of the pivotal connection, a pair of threaded thrust members each swiveled at one end to the jaw arm of one member and extending past the handle arm of the other member, and two threaded clutches movably mounted respectively on the two handle arms and each movable into and out of threaded engagement With the adjacent thrust member, and a pair of tension springs respectively associated With the two clutches and each continuously tending to move one of the clutches out of threaded engagement With the adjacent thrust member, each of the springs having one end in operative engagement \Vltll the pivot of the said main members.

Signed at Chicago, Illinois, January 12th,

HENRY M. SVEBILIUS. 

